How Did Chiropractic Get a Stigma? The Trial that Uncovered a Conspiracy
Chester Wilk v. AMA: A Landmark Antitrust Case
The Chester Wilk v. American Medical Association (AMA) case was a pivotal legal battle that shaped the relationship between chiropractic and mainstream medicine in the United States. Filed in 1976, the lawsuit accused the AMA and other medical organizations of engaging in an organized conspiracy to eliminate chiropractic care as a profession, violating federal antitrust laws.
Background
The case centered on the AMA's "Principle of Medical Ethics," which prohibited physicians from associating with chiropractors, labeling chiropractic care as "unscientific." This restriction severely limited chiropractors' ability to collaborate with medical professionals and harmed their credibility and livelihood. Chiropractors, led by Dr. Chester Wilk and three other plaintiffs, argued that these actions constituted a boycott designed to suppress competition and restrict patient access to chiropractic care.
The Trial and Decision
After a lengthy legal battle, in 1987, a federal judge ruled that the AMA had engaged in an illegal conspiracy to undermine chiropractic care in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The court found that the AMA's actions were not based solely on concerns about patient safety but were also intended to protect its economic interests by limiting competition.
The AMA was ordered to:
Cease its anti-chiropractic activities.
Revise its ethical guidelines to remove restrictions on working with chiropractors.
Impact of the Case
The Wilk v. AMA decision was a significant victory for chiropractors, helping to legitimize the profession and paving the way for greater collaboration between chiropractors and medical doctors. It also marked a turning point in healthcare, promoting a more integrative approach that values patient choice and access to diverse treatment options.
The repercussions from the actions of the AMA are still prevalent today. But the stigma is disappearing as MD’s and DO’s are starting to understand the positive impact Chiropractic Physicians have with reducing pain, increasing physical activity, and preventing future injuries.